# Arizona Teen Driving — Defensive Habits That Prevent Crashes

Teen drivers have the highest crash rates of any age group. The good news is that most crashes are preventable with the right habits and mindset. Defensive driving is not just about following the rules — it is about anticipating problems before they happen and knowing how to respond. Here are the defensive habits every teen driver should learn.

Always Have an Escape Route

Defensive drivers constantly scan for escape routes. Where would you go if the car in front of you slammed on the brakes? What if someone ran a red light? Train yourself to identify open lanes, shoulders, and spaces you could move into if something goes wrong.

The Three-Second Rule

Following too closely is one of the most common causes of crashes. The three-second rule gives you enough time to react. Pick a fixed object ahead, like a sign or overpass. When the car in front passes it, count one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three. If you pass the object before you finish counting, you are too close.

In bad weather or heavy traffic, increase to four or five seconds.

Scan 12 Seconds Ahead

Most drivers only look at the car directly in front of them. Defensive drivers scan 12 seconds ahead, giving them time to spot hazards early. Look for brake lights, traffic slowing, pedestrians, or debris in the road. The earlier you see a problem, the more options you have.

Anticipate Other Drivers' Mistakes

Assume other drivers will do the wrong thing. That car waiting at the stop sign might pull out in front of you. That driver signaling a turn might change their mind. Defensive driving means being ready when others make errors.

Manage Your Speed for Conditions

Speed limits are maximums, not targets. In heavy traffic, bad weather, or poor visibility, slow down. Arizona dust storms, monsoon rains, and blinding sun can turn a safe road into a hazard zone. Adjust your speed to match actual conditions.

Avoid Distractions

Phones are the obvious culprit, but distractions include eating, changing music, talking to passengers, and daydreaming. A defensive driver keeps their attention on driving. If something needs your attention, pull over.

What DVDS Teaches

At Deer Valley Driving School, defensive driving is not an afterthought — it is built into every lesson. Our Intro to Driving package ($350, 5 hours) introduces defensive concepts. The License-Ready Package ($680, 10 hours) goes deeper. The Ultimate Package ($1,299, 20 hours) includes comprehensive defensive training covering freeway, night, and adverse weather driving.

Our instructors are MVD-certified and ADOT-certified. We teach teens to think like defensive drivers, not just follow rules. Our 5.0-star rating from over 1,200 Google reviews shows that parents trust us to prepare their teens for real Arizona roads.

The Proof Is in the Results

Teens who complete professional driving instruction have lower crash rates than those who only practice with parents. The structured training, professional feedback, and defensive mindset make a measurable difference.

Give Your Teen the Right Start

Call Deer Valley Driving School at (602) 663-3502 or visit deervalleydrivingschool.com. We serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and 16 other metro area locations with free pickup and drop-off. Let's teach your teen the habits that will keep them safe for life.